20 Planet Friendly New Year’s Resolutions for 2022
We have almost made it through another year! While it may be sad to reflect on the time that has passed, it’s also a great opportunity to get excited about the prospects of a fresh start.
I do not remember where I heard this but it sounded something like this. We are not able to see growth and success looking at the present or the future. We are only able to see our growth looking at the past. The lessons of the past and the hopes for the future make us human.
So often our resolutions are focused on our health and well-being, but it’s important to consider the planet as well! Today I’m sharing 20 planet-friendly resolutions that are centred around being a better advocate for our planet.
Create less waste
This is a simple idea that has the potential to truly transform the way that you live. When I started on my zero waste journey two years ago, I had no idea how much I would learn or how much the habit would carry into other aspects of my life. No need to start with anything to crazy, try getting started with my post on functional low waste products for your home.
Spend more time in nature
This is good for the planet and your health too! Spending more time in nature will really help you find balance and ease in a new way. Just think, long before cities and brick buildings humans were immersed in nature all the time! Make the resolution to step away from your screen time and spend more time outside every day. Check out these 10 simple ways to give back to the earth.
Learn more about your impact
Getting educated is the best way to make informed choices moving forward. We all learned a bit more about the severity of the climate crisis this past year — take it one step further and commit to learning more about your part in climate change. Learn the importance of living sustainably in 2021, and going forward.
Advocate for change
Already educated on your impact or the effects of those around you? 2022 might be the year to take it up a notch and start vocalizing what you have learned with your community and beyond. Consider this resolution as a commitment to seeing your social platforms and everyday interactions as opportunities to reach someone new. Don’t forget, we are all in this together! Read my opinion piece on how to live sustainably in a consumerist society to get your thinking on the right track.
Get rid of the things you don’t need
Downsizing is never a bad thing. We all have way too much ‘stuff’ that could be better off in the hands of someone who could make use of it. This resolution could also leave you with a bit of extra cash in your pocket. Consider hosting a yard sale and benefiting those in your own community — read my guide to hosting a successful yard sale.
Adopt a plant-based diet
Eating less meat has been proven time and time again to be one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint as an individual. It’s good for the environment, the lives of animals, and for your health. Not sure if 100% plant-based or vegan is for you? Why not consider trying a flexitarian diet to start.
Slow down and stress less
The more intentional you are about the way you live, the more sustainable you will become. It’s just sort of the way things go. Caring for yourself and slowing down will have a bit impact on your perspective of the world and what is important to you. This resolution is a great one for those who often feel burnt out or that there is never a moment in the day to take for themselves. Check out my comprehensive guide to slow living.
Stop buying plastic
This is a big resolution that will take some time to accomplish. It isn’t practical to assume you can simply avoid plastics altogether, but there are definitely ways to start working towards it. Why not start small in the kitchen. Learn how to grocery shop while avoiding plastics.
Switch to sustainable beauty
Switching over to only supporting sustainable brands can have a big impact on supply chains in the long run. Not to mention, it’s probably a lot better for your skin to be using products from companies that actually care about their ingredients. Check out this list of beauty brands with a sustainable commitment.
Only buy from sustainable fashion brands
Are you a big fashionista? This might be a resolution that is good for you. I put together a helpful list of Canadian brands and shared a helpful tool I use to determine whether or not somewhere is worth shopping from here.
Make 20 zero-waste swaps in your home
A great, measurable resolution is to commit to making a certain number of changes throughout the year. Committing to 20 or even 10 zero waste swaps throughout your life is a great start in the right direction! I have a list of over 50 swaps you can make in and around your home to help you get started.
Start Composting
If you have access to an outdoor space and want to work on your organic waste management, starting composting from home can be a rewarding challenge to take on (and it’s not as hard as you might think!) Here’s a list of all the tools you need to get started with this at home.
Waste less food
Reducing food waste is something we could all be better at. With this resolution, I encourage you to observe your current habits and note areas where you can improve. Maybe it’s a matter of eating ALL the food you buy? Or making the most of the leftover scraps from cooking? Start finding solutions for your current food habits by reading this post.
Start a wildflower garden for the bees
If you have a green thumb, I encourage you to consider planting a wildflower garden to help the bees and other pollinating species. This resolution will help insects get the nutrients they need to thrive and maintain a healthy ecosystem. I wrote a blog post with species specific to Canadian seasons you can check out here.
Start an eco-garden
Personally, I find gardening really rewarding and relaxing. An eco garden contains both vegetation and wildlife that encourages harmony with nature and ourselves. Read my helpful guide to get you started with this resolution.
Commit to a budget/Pay off debt
Being more responsible with your finances will allow you better control of your life and future. How does this help the planet? Budgeting will make you more mindful of your spending and pull you away from wasteful impulsive spending. Less ‘stuff’ is better all around. Learn how I pay off and manage my debt as well as some tips here.
Renovate your home to be more energy efficient
If you are considering making some green renovations — let 2022 be the year you take the plunge! If you are here in PEI there are a number of rebates and grants you can look into to support these changes. If you are considering solar panels check out my breakdown of the expense and details.
Implement the 5 principles of zero waste
Are you new to the zero waste community and looking to find out how you can be a better advocate for sustainable living? It is important to get to know the fundamentals and assess what changes make the most sense for you. Here are the 5 principles explained in more detail.
Switch to non-toxic cleaning products
This resolution is an important one for our water supply, air, and our own health! I wrote an article on how to switch to better home cleaning solutions that might help you get started.
Start shopping secondhand
Making the choice to shop second-hand as often as possible will have huge benefits to your wallet as well as your waste production. Keep fast fashion out of your closet and opt for perfectly good used items for your home this year by committing to this resolution. Learn more about thrifting and my 10 step process to staying organized here.
What are your resolutions this year? Share them with me in the comments below!
Hey, Claudia here
I am a senior graphic designer, a dog mom, an advocate for a zero-waste lifestyle, climate change, and sustainability. My articles are based on personal experience and well researched to give you the best source of information for all things zero-waste.